Ferrero Rocher drops ad agency

FERRERO Rocher is reported to have split with the advertising agency responsible for revamping its image. The company became famous for its kitsch commercial in which a liveried flunkey proffered a platter heaped with chocolates to assembled dignitaries. But it decided on a change of tack in 1999.

Ferrero Rocher recruited London agency Banks Hoggins O'Shea/FCB to come up with a replacement. They produced an advert in which a dinner party hostess struggles with her alter ego over whether to offer guests a Ferrero Rocher. But the campaign proved less popular than the original advert.

The agency says a 'difficult' working relationship lies behind the split, according to reports. The future of the £5m account is unclear and it could be opened up to all-comers or be handed to one of the other agencies used by Ferrero.